TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade, Signing
For the second week in a row, Orlando City has brought in a pair of reinforcements. For the second week in a row, those reinforcements consist of a player familiar to MLS circles and one that is more of an unknown commodity.
Orlando City announced on Wednesday that they have acquired midfielder Jose Villarreal via a trade with the LA Galaxy, who received a third-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft in exchange. Additionally, Orlando signed left back Mohamed El-Munir, who last played for Serbian SuperLiga side FK Partizan Belgrade.
The two moves come a week after the Lions traded for fullback RJ Allen and signed striker Stefano Pinho.
“We are pleased to add Jose,” Lions general manager Niki Budalic said in a statement released by the club. “He’s an attack-minded player that we feel can contribute in several different roles.
“Mohamed brings considerable experience in Europe and on the international stage,” Budalic said. “His great pace, ability on the ball and defensive solidity make him a nice fit for our squad. We can’t wait to get him into camp.”
Both Villarreal, 24, and El-Munir, 25, will be tasked with helping improve an Orlando City side that finished in 10th place in the Eastern Conference this past season. Villarreal will attempt to do so after making 12 appearances for LA in 2017, while El-Munir will try after making seven appearances across all competitions and helping Partizan capture their 27th SuperLiga championship.
